Please don’t undo my “I do”

Vote "No" on California's Proposition 8


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Please don’t undo my “I do”
by Mali Kigasari
03-Nov-2008
 

On June 17, 2008 I married my partner of 12 years Elizabeth Kristen. Before the signature on our marriage license was dry, the religious right had put Proposition 8 on this year’s ballot. Our closest friends, coworkers and family members bore witness when we announced that we would be together for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part -- not till the voters do us part.

It is the job of the California Supreme Court to interpret the California Constitution, which they did in their May 17, 2008 ruling. Seven California Supreme Court Justices, (six Republican Justices and one Democratic appointed Justice) ruled that all Californians, regardless of their sexual orientation were protected by the state’s constitution.

It is right and fair that all Californians are protected under the Constitution. If we vote to take rights away from one minority group, it will not be too long before another group is targeted to be stripped of their constitutional rights. Iranian-Americans are familiar with discrimination and how wrong it is. I remember during the Iranian revolution, the religious right targeted communists, women, and other minority groups until eventually they had their foot on the neck of every group in the country. By that time, they were so powerful that we were not able to stop them. Don’t allow the religious fundamentalists in this country to do the same.

On the official ballot, Proposition 8 reads, “ELIMINATES RIGHT OF SAME-SEX COUPLES TO MARRY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Changes California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. Provides that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” It continues to describe the negative fiscal impact if Prop. 8 passes.

I am asking the voters not to undo my “I do.” I am also asking voters to use their own judgment. Don’t take my word for it, please go on www.noonprop8.com. Prominent Democrats and some Republicans have asked voters to reject Prop. 8, including President Bill Clinton, Senator Barack Obama, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and Dolores Huerta. Literally hundreds of other civil rights leaders have asked the voters to reject discrimination by rejecting the constitutional amendment and voting No on Prop. 8. Because Prop. 8 is unfair and wrong, I urge you to vote no on Tuesday.


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aaminian

History In the Making

by aaminian on Mon Nov 03, 2008 05:35 PM PST

I will be voting No on PROP 8 simply because it is the right of any human being to choose who they want to be their lifelong partners. There is no evidence that choosing a partner of the same sex (or homosexuality in general) will negatively affect our society.  

My wife works as a neuro-pathologist at the UCLA Medical Center and she deals with other surgeons/doctors on a daily basis. A good number of these doctors are homosexuals and do have gay partners. These same doctors are at the forefront of medical discoveries and breakthroughs, which, will eventually help their fellow human beings.


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IRANdokht

No on prop8

by IRANdokht on Mon Nov 03, 2008 05:24 PM PST

Don't worry Mali, 

you've got our support. I believe in people's decency and I am hoping the fear tactics won't cause anyone unnecessary disappointment or injustice.

(fingers crossed!)

IRANdokht


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American Wife

What?

by American Wife on Mon Nov 03, 2008 04:32 PM PST

I'm totally lost.  What are you talking about?  Species and evolution?  Other spectrum of society?  Dude... I consider myself of average intelligence but I haven't got a clue what you're saying!

What it boils down to is legal protection for a spouse that is not afforded to a partner.  And that, my friend, is a HUGE purpose.

Pervert... oh, never mind.  I simply won't lower myself to your standards.


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default

A.W.

by Mehran-001 (not verified) on Mon Nov 03, 2008 03:51 PM PST

The only reason that institution of marriage evolved to it's form that we have today is because of protection of human offspring. This was the most efficient way for our species to continue to the next generation. It is evolution at it's best and if there was another possible way that our species could have been more successful, then we would have evolved that way. Other than that, I don't think the marriage is a critical item or is relevant to humans. We are just programmed that way by million years of evolution.

So, I find it irrelevant to have this institution extended to other spectrum of society. It simply does not serve any propose.


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default

Perverts are now OK! The law

by Not A Pervert (not verified) on Mon Nov 03, 2008 03:50 PM PST

Perverts are now OK! The law says so. Does that really change anything? Is being a pervert now OK, because the law says so - because powerful lobbyist with gobs of money and connection lie to people?


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American Wife

Mehran

by American Wife on Mon Nov 03, 2008 03:32 PM PST

Certainly Mali should, and hopefully will, answer those specific questions as it relates to her situation.

But generally speaking I can answer as a spouse myelf.  My marriage certificate means alot to me, why shouldn't theirs.  I didn't want to live together.  I wanted it official for several reasons... other than personal reasons, it's the rights afforded to a spouse that are not afforded to a "partner".  Medical care is probably the most important one.  Legally, it's a major issue. 

Bottom line, it's simply a right... :-)

VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 8.


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default

Just a question

by Mehran-001 (not verified) on Mon Nov 03, 2008 02:32 PM PST

What benefit the gays would get from an official marriage certificate and why is it important to you?


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